eBay UK Spring Update 2017

eBay UK’s Spring update is generally about creating better customer service for UK shoppers whilst giving you the flexibility to expand internationally in some markets without having to worry about their local infrastructure when it comes to shipping.

Some of the main points of the seller update are:

Improved search for offering buyer friendly returns

Updates to seller performance standards – UK & international changes

eBay category changes

Removing active content

Changes to VAT on eBay fees

Improved Search for Sellers Offering Buyer Friendly Returns

From Autumn 2017 sellers who offer buyer-friendly returns policies. This will include:

What you need to do

This is not mandatory but to take advantage of this, all your listings need to offer a 30-day free returns policy.

Updates to Seller Performance Standards – UK and International Changes

The performance standards have been adjusted to make your UK operation slicker whilst giving you some leeway internationally.

UK Delivery rate changes

To remain a Top-Rated Seller, the maximum late deliveries requirement allowed is changing from 4% to 3%.

International

eBay wants you to sell more internationally so late deliveries from countries they class as emerging markets (see list below) will no longer count against your late delivery rate. As long as the item was dispatch on time and you offer the correct customer service to the buyer.
Any negative or neutral feedback caused by delivery delays from these countries classed as emerging markets will be removed by eBay.

eBay Category Changes

From the 13th June 2017, eBay will be updating their category structure, to find out if any of your categories are currently affected you can Preview The Category Changes Here.

Remove Active Content by June

Most online sellers on eBay know that they have to remove active content from their listings, but if you have not done so yet, all active content on your listings will be disabled by June 7th. This could mean your listings will not display correctly.

Changes To VAT on eBay Fees

From August 1st 2017 your fees will no longer be paid to eBay Europe S.à r.l.but now rather eBay (UK) Limited.
This means if you are registered for VAT with the HMRC you will begin paying 20% UK VAT to eBay (UK) Limited on taxable fees. You should be entitled to deduct this VAT according to UK VAT rules.